Adhesive for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease already available by SUS | Welfare

Rivastigmine causes an increase in a substance called acetylcholine, which is reduced in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, but the drug may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, a decrease in appetite and headaches.

The addition of the adhesive to the list of SUS drugs represents an improvement in the quality of life of some patients. Because it is put on the skin, the absorption of the drug occurs throughout the day and therefore has fewer side effects, especially in the digestive system.

According to Rodrigo Schultz, president of the Brazilian Association of Alzheimer's Disease, the adhesive also ensures that there is no fluctuation of the dose: " Being transdermal, there is a continuous, steady release for 24 hours, preventing dose fluctuation, that is, increases and decreases of medications in the body as it continues to be metabolized. "

Also, according to Schultz, many patients refuse to use oral medications and often take the drug out of their own mouths after the administration.

"With the adhesive, it can not do that, and because the absorption is cutaneous, there is a significant reduction in the possibility of side effects, mainly gastrointestinal effects. intestinal, "he explains.

Neurodegenerative disease, caused by the progressive death of brain cells, impairing functions such as memory, attention and orientation and language, which has serious consequences on the quality of life patients. The disease has no cure.

In Brazil, according to 2017 data, it is estimated that there are 1.1 million people with the disease.

Any patient with Alzheimer's disease taking rivastigmine may use the drug in an adhesive version: "There is a population that benefits more than one who has difficulty swallowing or has Side effects. says Schultz.

The adhesive can also be used in the bath and must be removed 24 hours after use. Because it's placed on the skin, the adhesive can occasionally cause certain reactions at the site of its establishment and therefore a rotation on the site of the adhesive's use is recommended.

"In case of failure, the tablets or oral solution can be used at the corresponding dose without any problems, without any risk," says Schultz.

According to the Ministry of Health, the drug is already available in the health units responsible for the distribution of this type of medicine.

Still according to the Ministry, patients must meet the eligibility criteria for clinical protocols and therapeutic guidelines and submit the following documents in a designated health facility:

• copy of the National Health Card ( CNS) 19659015] copy of an identity document, and the person responsible for receiving the application must attest to the authenticity according to the original identification document;
• Report on the application, evaluation and authorization of drugs of the specialized component of pharmaceutical badistance (LME); completed
• medical prescription duly completed
• documents required in the clinical protocols and therapeutic guidelines published in the final version by the Ministry of Health, according to the disease and the drugs requested; and
• copy of proof of residence

In addition to rivastigmine, SUS also provides other drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: donepezil, galantamine and memantine.

The ministry explains that the addition of the adhesive version of the drug to the list made available by SUS is due to the lower side effects and the ease of application. "Rivastigmine was already given orally, but it had the disadvantage of causing gastro-intestinal discomfort in the patient such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea." In order to reduce these side effects, this new presentation has been incorporated. , which will be indicated by the doctor. Who accompanies the patient. In addition, patients with Alzheimer's can take more or less drugs than the prescribed amount due to forgetfulness, "says a note from the Department of Health.